The objective of the program was to develop a rear end structure with improved crash energy control characteristics for late-model unitized construction American-built automobiles. Baseline tests were conducted to determine the performance characteristics of conventional automobiles in rear end impacts and to provide a basis for later evaluation of the modified vehicles. Scale model dynamic tests were conducted in a parametric study of various energy management concepts. Two basic designs were investigated in a series of full-scale development tests. These development data were used to modify and finalize the selected design. An angle barrier and a vehicle-to-vehicle impact verified that the design satisfied the program objectives. Passive head restraints were also tested on modified vehicles. The report summarizes the program effort.
Rear End Structural Crashworthiness of Unitized Construction Vehicles. Summary Report
1973
93 pages
Report
No indication
English